Niclas Füllkrug's return is the driving force behind Werder Bremen's strong start to the season. With seven points from four games and eighth place in the Bundesliga table, the club is enjoying its best opening since promotion, powered by the 33-year-old striker.
An analysis by the Global Soccer Network (GSN) highlights that Füllkrug's value to Werder cannot be measured by goals alone. The forward, who returned from West Ham United in the summer, is described as a "structural improver". His physical presence and goal threat occupy opposing defenders, creating space for teammates like Chuki. Winning 68 percent of his offensive aerial duels, ranking him second among all Bundesliga centre-forwards, and completing 92 percent of his lay-off passes, he acts as a key wall player. These skills give Werder tactical variability, especially in high-pressure situations via long balls.
Coach Daniel Thioune praised the Hanover-born player's mentality after the 3-2 home win against Augsburg, where Füllkrug scored the equaliser. "His mentality, to drag the lads along and smash the ball in, is mega," said Thioune. The coach was not surprised by the immediate impact: "The conviction was there that Niclas could help us. That he hits the ground running like this naturally pleases us enormously." For Füllkrug himself, the return is an emotional homecoming to a "feel-good haven". "I try to exceed expectations," explained the striker, who has scored in three consecutive Bundesliga games. A fourth goal in a row in the upcoming match at Borussia Dortmund would be a personal career record for him.
The personal record attempt comes in a special setting. On Friday evening (20:30), Werder faces current league leaders Borussia Dortmund away. Daniel Thioune's team travels with mixed feelings after a 7-0 friendly defeat at Twente in their last outing. Their recent form across the last five competitive matches shows two wins, one draw, and two defeats, indicating remaining inconsistency. Nevertheless, the return of the experienced goal-getter, who scored 16 times for Werder in the 2022/23 season, offers hope for a successful campaign. The full schedule of upcoming challenges can be found on our fixtures page.
Füllkrug's role extends beyond that of a classic centre-forward. His ability to play the final pass before the assist makes him an indispensable X-factor. This added value justifies his salary in the player's view. "I am simply paid in a different currency, and that is: emotions and passion," said Füllkrug. With three goals in four Bundesliga appearances, he is currently the team's top scorer. The squad sits in eighth place with seven points, five points behind leaders Dortmund. All current standings and squad information are available in our stats overview. The focus is now fully on the top match in Dortmund, where Werder aims to prove that the positive league trend can be sustained.
This story first appeared at NDR.de
